Question:

From the set \[ \{2,3,5,7\} \] two numbers are selected one after the other with replacement. If \(X\) is the random variable representing the absolute difference of the two numbers selected, then the mean of \(X\) is

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For discrete random variables, \[ E(X)=\sum xP(X=x). \] When selections are made with replacement, first count all ordered outcomes, construct the probability distribution, and then calculate the expectation.
Updated On: Jul 9, 2026
  • \(\dfrac{15}{4}\)
  • \(\dfrac{17}{8}\)
  • \(\dfrac{18}{5}\)
  • \(6\) \bigskip
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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

Concept: The mean (expected value) of a random variable \(X\) is \[ E(X)=\sum x\,P(X=x). \] Since the selections are made with replacement, the total number of ordered pairs is \[ 4\times 4=16. \]

Step 1:
List all possible values of \(X\). Let \[ X=|a-b|, \] where \[ a,b\in\{2,3,5,7\}. \] The \(16\) ordered pairs and corresponding values of \(X\) are: \[ \begin{array}{c|c} (a,b) & X=|a-b| \hline (2,2),(3,3),(5,5),(7,7) & 0 (2,3),(3,2) & 1 (3,5),(5,3) & 2 (5,7),(7,5) & 2 (2,5),(5,2) & 3 (3,7),(7,3) & 4 (2,7),(7,2) & 5 \end{array} \]

Step 2:
Find the probability distribution of \(X\). \[ P(X=0)=\frac{4}{16}=\frac14, \] \[ P(X=1)=\frac{2}{16}=\frac18, \] \[ P(X=2)=\frac{4}{16}=\frac14, \] \[ P(X=3)=\frac{2}{16}=\frac18, \] \[ P(X=4)=\frac{2}{16}=\frac18, \] \[ P(X=5)=\frac{2}{16}=\frac18. \]

Step 3:
Compute the mean \(E(X)\). \[ E(X) = 0\left(\frac14\right) + 1\left(\frac18\right) + 2\left(\frac14\right) + 3\left(\frac18\right) + 4\left(\frac18\right) + 5\left(\frac18\right). \] \[ = 0+\frac18+\frac12+\frac38+\frac48+\frac58. \] \[ = \frac{1+4+3+4+5}{8}. \] \[ = \frac{17}{8}. \]

Step 4:
Write the final answer. \[ \boxed{\frac{17}{8}} \]
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